by R. C. Ryan
Meg blinked to hold back tears. “Bo and the boys were devastated. They moved back to our ranch to recover, but Bo couldn’t bring himself to rebuild, so we merged the two ranches into one, and he and the boys continued on here.” She sighed. “It was good for them, but also for us. We drew together in our grief, and I believe we’ve become stronger over the years.”
“I’m glad you were able to be here for them. I guess…” Kirby paused, feeling suddenly shy.
“What, Kirby?” Meg caught her hand.
“I guess that explains why you’re so good at making me feel welcome. You’ve had years of experience.”
“Indeed.” Meg squeezed her hand. “I’m glad you feel welcome. You’ve been through enough.”
“I’d say your family could write the book on that.”
The four women shared a sweet bond of understanding as they continued looking over the photos that took up every inch of space in the studio.
Kirby paused in front of a glass case. Inside were several shelves filled with awards, some local, but many more from national and international organizations.
Avery sidled up beside her. “Pretty impressive, wouldn’t you say?”
Kirby nodded. “What impresses me the most is that a shy woman like that—” she paused to glance across the room to where Liz and her mother were holding a black-and-white photo up to the light “—can express so much emotion in her work.”
Avery gave a soft laugh. “Liz may be shy, but as I’ve come to know her, I’ve learned that she’s a passionate woman. Especially about her work.”
Meg walked over to the two young women. “Have you seen enough?”
Kirby shook her head. “I doubt I’ll ever see enough. What a gift your daughter has. I envy her.”
Meg put a hand on her arm. “A wise teacher once told me that we’re all gifted. Our real purpose in life is to uncover our gifts and use them wisely.”
Kirby arched a brow. “I like that. I just hope I live long enough to discover what mine are.”
“I have no doubt you will.” Meg tucked her arm through Kirby’s before turning to her daughter. “Thank you for letting us invade your space, Liz. But I think it’s time we get back to the house.”
“I’ll be along later, Ma. I have a little work to see to here first.”
After thanking Liz for the tour, Kirby started toward the house with Meg and Avery.
As the two chatted, Kirby fell silent. Everyone, it seemed, had something they were passionate about. Liz had her photography. Avery was in constant demand for her skill as a physical therapist. Meg’s gift was her generous spirit and warm hospitality.
All Kirby could claim was a job. Oh, she liked it well enough. And was good at what she did. But it certainly wasn’t something she was passionate about.
So where was her passion?
“I wonder if the men have cleared that ice.”
At Meg’s words Kirby blinked.
“I think I’ll take one of the trucks up to the ridge and see how they’re doing.” Avery looped her arm through Kirby’s. “Want to go with me?”
“I’d love to.”
Avery turned to Meg. “Want to join us?”
The older woman halted at the back porch. “You two go along. After that walk in the cold air, I’d prefer joining Billy in the kitchen for a cup of hot tea.” She paused. “That reminds me. As long as you’re joining the men, why don’t I fetch a container of hot coffee for them?”
Avery nodded. “Good idea. I know they’ll be grateful. I’ll bring the truck around to the back door.”
Chapter Thirteen
Kirby climbed up to the passenger’s side of the truck while Avery took the wheel. Snugged between them on the seat were a giant container of coffee and several disposable lidded cups.
They followed a winding road that climbed steadily past outbuildings and fenced pastures, weaving through stands of evergreens.
“So you were Brand’s physical therapist? Is that how the two of you met?”
Avery nodded. “Miss Meg hired me after getting a recommendation from Dr. Peterson. She called our hospital director, and from my name assumed she was hiring a male therapist who would bond with her grandsons and enjoy doing guy things with them for the six weeks of the contract, since the ranch is so isolated.”
“Wow. Not a great way to start. How did you handle it?”
“Better than Brand. He was annoyed with his grandmother, and with me for wasting his time.”
“From what I see, the two of you found a way around those early problems.”
“You wouldn’t say that if you’d been at our first meeting.” Avery laughed. “It’s funny how love can sneak up at the most unexpected time.”
As she drove, Avery kept her eyes on the twisting road as she asked Kirby, “What do you think of Casey?”
Caught by surprise, Kirby tried for humor. “Is this a trick question?”
Avery chuckled. “Not really. I’m just asking because he seems…so attentive.”
“Is that out of character for him?”
“Not at all. At least not with animals. When he’s treating one of them, there’s a tender side to him that’s really touching. But watching him with you, he’s…” She shrugged, leaving the rest of her words unspoken.
“Are you saying he’s not this way with other women? Because he strikes me as a guy who’s very comfortable with the opposite sex.”
“Oh, he is. Don’t misunderstand. A guy as fun-loving as Casey is bound to attract women. But he seems—” another shrug “—he just seems different with you.”
“Good different? Or bad different?”
“Definitely good. In fact, he seems pretty intense.”
Kirby felt a little tingle of awareness and had to admit to herself that Avery’s words had certainly brightened her day. “Thanks for letting me know.”
“Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed the attraction.”
“Oh, I’ve noticed. But I keep telling myself it could all be a game to a guy as sexy as Casey.”
“I guess that’s something every couple has to figure out for themselves.” Avery slowed the truck and pointed. “Here we are.”
The damaged truck had already been righted and moved off to one side. As Brand sauntered over, Avery lowered the driver’s side window. “Making progress?”
“Yeah, babe.” He nodded before opening the door. When Avery shifted over, he slid in beside her.
He brushed a kiss on her cheek and she laughed. “Your nose is cold.”
“Sorry. It’s raw out there today.”
She cranked up the heater. “Can you stay awhile and warm up? We came bearing gifts.” She pointed at the container of coffee.
“My hero.” He kissed her again before accepting a steaming cup. “I guess I can stay a few minutes. We’ll be wrapping things up here soon.”
They watched through the windshield as Casey and Jonah worked in tandem to complete the repairs on the slick road. Each time Casey deposited a load of dirt with the backhoe, Jonah was there with the dozer to smooth it out. Chet and Bo manned shovels, tamping down the edges of the road.
After a few minutes Brand opened the truck door and climbed down. “Time to put this job to bed. The guys will be grateful for this.” He tucked the container under his arm and juggled the stack of cups. “If you’re willing to wait, I’ll ride back to the house with you.”
Avery looked over at Kirby, who nodded and smiled back at her before responding, “I’ll be here.”
When the final mound of dirt was in place, both Avery and Kirby stepped out of the truck and joined the cluster of men, who were gathered around hollering words of encouragement or, in Ham’s case, shouting orders.
“Over to the right, Jonah. You missed a spot.”
The dozer turned and rumbled over the already smooth earth, flattening it even more.
“That’s better.” Hammond gave him a thumbs-up, and his great-grandson nodded before moving on.
Casey s
tepped down from the backhoe and ambled over to give a hand gathering up the shovels and assorted tools before stowing them in the back of their truck.
Brand turned to his father. “If you don’t mind driving Gramps and Ham, I’ll ride back to the house with Avery and Kirby.”
Bo nodded in agreement while wrapping his hands around the warmth of the cup. He turned to Avery. “Thanks for the coffee. It’s just what I needed.”
Casey stopped beside Kirby. “Want to ride back with me?”
She looked past him to the backhoe. “On that?”
“There’s room for two. Come on. Life’s short. Take a risk.” He held out his hand.
With a laugh she caught his hand and allowed him to lead her to the big machine that stood idling.
Casey helped her up to the cab. Though it was a tight squeeze, they managed to fit on the seat behind the control panel.
Kirby looked around with interest. “Pretty fancy. I used to drive my uncle’s backhoe when I was in high school. But he didn’t have a heated cab.”
“Not just heat. This baby has air-conditioning, too.”
She shook her head. “All the comforts of home.”
“You bet. Nothing but the best for our ranch hands. If we could, we’d add a refrigerator and a microwave, and we could rent it out as a bunkhouse.”
They shared a laugh as he began fiddling with levers. The machine grew louder as the feet that anchored the backhoe to the ground were lifted. Another lever caused it to go in reverse, beeping as it backed away. After a slow turn, it began lumbering across the frozen meadow toward the barns in the distance.
“Want to drive?”
“You’d let me?”
“You said you drove your uncle’s.”
“That was years ago. And it didn’t have even half the dials and controls of this.”
“That’s all right. I’m right here beside you to make sure you use the right control. I won’t let you crash.”
“Gee, thanks.” With a laugh she took the wheel.
While she steered, Casey wrapped his arms around her waist.
She shot him a look. “Did you just let me drive so your hands would be free?”
“You bet. I’m no fool.” He leaned in to press his face to her neck. “You smell good.”
When she gave a husky laugh and started to wriggle away, he said, “Both hands on the wheel, woman. You wouldn’t want us to have an accident way out here, would you?”
She looked over at him, seeing the amusement bubbling up. “You’re a devious man, Casey Merrick.”
“So they tell me. Sly like a fox.”
“In that case—” she lifted her hands “—I think you’d better drive.”
“Spoilsport.”
He put a hand on the wheel, while wrapping his other arm around her waist and tucking her up closer beside him. “We’ll both steer.”
With a laugh she put a hand on the wheel. As the vehicle moved across the snow-covered ground, she felt deliciously warm and content.
“Jonah and I raced to the equipment barn, but I got there first and grabbed the keys to this baby.”
“Why?”
“The enclosed cab. Heat. The old dozer is open to the elements. By now Jonah’s—” he paused dramatically before bursting into laughter “—Jonah’s backside is a block of ice.”
She joined in the laughter.
They were doing nothing more than driving a piece of heavy equipment across a Wyoming field, and she was having the best time.
“What did you do after I left?” Casey nuzzled her ear.
She absorbed a curl of pleasure all the way to her toes. “Your aunt gave me a tour of her studio.”
“She did?” He gave her a surprised look. “She must trust you.”
“What does that mean? I would think she’d be proud to show off the photographs that have won her so many awards.”
“She’s proud of her work, but in case you haven’t noticed, she’s shy about letting anyone into her private world.”
“Oh, I’ve noticed. I was beginning to think she didn’t like me.” Kirby turned, and realized that their faces were almost touching. “But she didn’t seem reluctant about giving me a tour.”
“That’s a good thing.” His gaze was focused on her mouth. “See that lever beside your leg?”
She nodded.
“Pull it back as far as you can.”
She did as he directed and the big vehicle came to a sudden, lurching stop. She arched a brow in silent question.
He gave her one of those irresistible smiles that went straight to her heart. “Now if you’d put your hand—” he took her hand and placed it on his shoulder “—here.”
Before she could react, he gathered her close and covered her mouth in a kiss hungry enough to devour her.
As he lingered over the kiss a rush of heat started at her fingertips and spiraled straight to her core.
He lifted her slightly and turned her so that she was straddling him, her body pressed so firmly to his she could feel his heartbeat inside her own chest.
Her arms were around his neck, though she couldn’t recall how they got there. She returned his kisses with an eagerness that caught her by surprise.
“Mmm.” He hummed with pure pleasure against her mouth. “Now this makes all the bone-jarring work of the past hours worthwhile.” He kissed her again, long and slow and deep, before running openmouthed kisses down the column of her throat.
He fumbled with the zipper of her parka. “You’re wearing way too many layers. Think you could slide this off?”
Laughing, she managed to get one arm out of the sleeve when a loud rumbling beside them had them both looking up.
Jonah shifted the gears of the dozer, allowing it to idle beside the backhoe.
Two heads whipped around to see him laughing.
Casey’s eyes narrowed as he cranked open the window. “Beat it, bro. Go on up to the barn.”
“And miss the hottest scene around? Not on your life.” Jonah crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back. “Don’t let me interrupt. You two have that cab so steamy, it’s drifting over here on a wave of heat. Of course, all that steam makes it a struggle to see you.”
“And I’m not letting you see anything more.” With his hand on the small window Casey called, “Except maybe my fist in your face.” He rapped his knuckles against the glass for emphasis before closing it.
Jonah merely grinned.
Kirby couldn’t hold back her giggles. “Oh, Casey. You should see your face.”
“Don’t laugh. It’ll encourage him. He thinks he’s so funny.”
“I can’t help it—he is.” She pressed her forehead to his, her body shaking with mirth.
“We could try ignoring him. Maybe he’ll go away.” Casey ran his hands up and down her back, but she only laughed harder, knowing his brother was watching every little movement.
“How can I feel romantic when I know he’s watching?”
“He’s like a cold shower.” Casey gave a sigh of disgust. “Jonah’s arrival is about as amusing as a skunk at a barbeque.”
Kirby zipped her parka up to her chin and settled herself beside Casey on the seat. At his direction she pushed the lever, sending the backhoe into a lurching forward motion.
Beside them, the bulldozer began inching along, keeping pace with the backhoe.
Casey caught her hand, lacing his fingers with hers. “Think you could give me a rain check on that romantic interlude?”
She chuckled. “Is that what that was?”
“Well, that’s the way it started out. Of course, it ended like a comedy, thanks to Jonah.” He paused. “How about it? Would you consider a rain check? If we can ever be alone, that is.”
She returned his sly smile with one of her own. “I’ll consider your offer. In fact, I like your odds, cowboy. If we ever manage to be alone.”
Chapter Fourteen
When the backhoe was parked in the equipment barn, Casey caught Kirby’s hand
and helped her down.
Beside them, the dozer’s rumbling ceased. Jonah climbed from his seat and crossed the barn to hang the keys on a hook along the wall. “Next time we have to go out on one of these runs, I call dibs on the backhoe. I nearly froze on the way here. You two were generating enough heat that you didn’t need an enclosed cab.”
Casey paused to hang his set of keys up, too. “Sorry about your bad luck, bro.” He tousled his brother’s hair before dropping an arm around Kirby’s waist and starting toward the house. Over his shoulder he called, “You ought to think about giving up writing all alone in that little cabin in the woods, and spending more time doing research at Nonie’s.”
“That little cabin helped me produce a best seller.”
Casey barely paused. “Let’s see how that best seller keeps you warm tonight.”
Jonah hooted with laughter.
Kirby suddenly dug in her heels and Casey paused beside her. “What’s wrong?”
“What did you mean about a best seller?”
“I told you he’s a writer.”
“You never said he was published.”
Casey shrugged. “I guess I thought that went with the territory. His book is the talk of the town. And not just Devil’s Door, or even Wyoming. He’s a national bestselling author.”
“Why haven’t I heard the name Jonah Merrick?”
Casey was grinning. “How about J. R. Merrick’s book Overload?”
Her mouth dropped open. “That’s Jonah? Your brother is J. R. Merrick?”
“I thought you figured it out.”
“I didn’t have a clue.” She began walking again, feeling slightly dazed.
A minute later, just as Casey and Kirby were heading up the steps of the back porch, a giant snowball landed with a splat against Casey’s head.
Jonah taunted, “Let’s see if that cools you off, bro.”
Casey spun around, brushing away snow. Seeing Jonah’s arm lifted to lob another, he nudged Kirby out of the way with a snarled warning and dropped to the ground to gather ammunition of his own.